Time to Cheer up Gopher Fans! Salvaging the Season!

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Tater

Tater

f.k.a. "Tubtastic"
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It has been far too gloomy around these parts, understandably so after our start to the season way back in Puerto Rico - and yes, I too have been gloomy as of late (I predicted the Gophers to lose tonight 78 to 72).

But hey, if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem - so here is my contribution to a sunshiny outlook for the rest of the season.

How do you see the Gophers salvaging this season (three items)?

Here are mine:
(1) Increased and improved man-to-man defense with Rodney/Hollins/Maverick helping take care of business against opposing teams' guards;

(2) Colton becoming the force down low that he turned into during the B1G Ten tourney last year; and

(3) Maverick finishing out the season as a very reliable PG off the bench, opening up Blake for increased offensive production out of the 2 slot.

Let's hear your thoughts....
 

They don't have to play man-to-man, but to play the zone they're currently employing, it is imperative they get their hands up and challenge shooters. Penn State got a lot of looks because when someone would run out to challenge, they didn't actually make them second guess putting it up by really making it a bad look by getting their hands up. Chase the guy off the shot and make them put it on the deck or get rid of it.

Without an experienced, or at least highly talented point, I don't have a lot of expectations on offense. Just don't turn it over too much. We have enough skilled guys to muster 60, 65 points. But defense is where our bread and butter will HAVE to be if we want to get these 3 of 4 games we need to make the tourney (IMO). Holding teams under 60 would be great.
 

1. Dominate the boards and minimize second chance points- If there's one thing the Gophers should do with the huge lineup, it's snag every rebound.

2. Better play in the zone- I'd prefer they play man, but if they continue to play zone we need our guys to recognize the shooters and simply be more actice (ZERO steals against PSU).

3. Faster start, especially defensively. We've had several teams come to Williams an average more than 2 points per possession over their first 5-6 possessions of the game.

4. Limit turnovers- I am cheating by adding a 4th, but it's absolutely crucial. With the Gophers slowing the game down to a snails pace at times, they cannot turn the ball over so much.


If they can get the win tonight, and they absolutely should, I think we will all be feeling good about getting in to the dance.
 

One of our biggest problems right now is the lack of a playmaker. Someone who can get their own shot.

I think our best chance of scoring is to force feed Trevor in the post nearly every time down the court. It would be nice if Chip/Austin stepped up as playmakers/penetrators which they have shown glimpses of.
 



1. Maverick as a serviceable backup (which OP said)

2. A huge amount of low post touches, specifically to Trevor

These will lead to

3. More/better open looks for Hoff (not having to force it as much, less pressure, etc)
 

Tubtastic said:
How do you see the Gophers salvaging this season (three items)?

Here are mine:
(1) Increased and improved man-to-man defense with Rodney/Hollins/Maverick helping take care of business against opposing teams' guards;

(2) Colton becoming the force down low that he turned into during the B1G Ten tourney last year; and

(3) Maverick finishing out the season as a very reliable PG off the bench, opening up Blake for increased offensive production out of the 2 slot.
Click to expand...

As for my thoughts, I'd say we failed on all three last night against MSU, although Maverick did do a good job at the point even though Blake did not benefit as much as I thought he would (he just seems gassed). The zone was decent last night but I still think a good coach can trash any zone defense. Colton.... eesh.
 

1. Austin, Chip, and Mav playing more minutes.
2. Rodney, Colton playing less minutes.
3. Limit Silly turnovers. There have simply been way to many unforced TO's lately. Those are the types that kill you.
 

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